July 8, 2008

Tips on Developing Your Own Elevator Pitch: Part 2

Developing your own pitch involves writing down what you are about. Start by picking one or two major points about what you want people to know, and come up with sentences you can say aloud.

The idea of the elevator pitch is that you should be able to repeat this effortlessly to someone who knows nothing about your craft, and have them walking away with a clear idea of what you are about.

Like a job interview, you want to tell something about yourself without sounding too rehearsed or long-winded. If you can't say it in a minute, or if they don't understand your statement, then it's too complicated.

Some other points on how to craft a good pitch:

Keep it short and simple (under a minute is good)

Use clear language that anyone can understand

Create an impression for your audience

Once you have come up with several solid sentences describing the core of your work, practice repeating it in front of a mirror or record yourself to hear how you sound. Learn to say it in different ways. Similar to your handmade goods where practice makes perfect, your pitch should be presented in a way that reflects your own voice effortlessly.

Remember, if you can't talk about your own work confidently, then chances are you won't stand out in a crowd. And the only way to be confident is to practice your presentation and gauge what works for you.

By coming up with your own elevator pitch, not only are you creating a stronger presence for yourself, you are solidifying the concept in the minds of your audience. And you never know who happens to be a part of your audience!